Picture frame device with interchangeable trim and base section

ABSTRACT

A picture frame device includes generally sturdy and rigid base section having a plurality of connectors disposed thereon. A frame unit having central aperture and a plurality of complementary connectors is secured to the base section in a removable manner. A picture is removably positioned within the central aperture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.61/932,204, filed on Mar. 27, 2014, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to picture frames, and moreparticularly to a picture frame having an interchangeable base and trimunit for supporting and presenting photos, pictures and other suchitems.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Picture frames are widely available in an assortment of shapes, stylesand colors to display photographs and other such items. In this regard,picture frames typically include a rectangular shaped frame body, orborder, that is constructed from wood, plastic or metal, for example. Atransparent glass or plastic panel functions to protect an insertedphotograph without impeding the visibility of the same, and alightweight backing is secured along the back side of the frameutilizing any number of different fasteners. Finally, a stand forbalancing the picture frame on a support surface and/or a mechanism forhanging the frame on a vertical surface is often provided along the backsurface of the backing.

As will be known to those of skill in the art, picture frames arecommonly used to retain a photograph in the following manner.Specifically, the front surface of the transparent glass plate istypically mounted onto the frame body in such a manner so that the glassplate covers a central opening defined by the frame body. The frontsurface of the photograph to be displayed is then disposed against thebottom surface of the transparent glass plate. As such, the photographis positioned within the central opening in the frame body and isclearly visible through the transparent glass plate. With the glassplate and photograph mounted onto the frame body, the backing isdisposed against the rear surface of the photograph and is retained inplace by the fasteners.

Owing to the design and operation of these conventional picture frames,users must perform several steps when they wish to replace onephotograph for another in an existing frame. Moreover, owing to thedelicate construction of the backing and/or fasteners, many userscomplain that this process results in the frame becoming damaged and/orunusable. In addition to the above, there is no way for a user to easilychange the shape, color or other such design elements of an existingframe to suit a particular occasion or season.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a picture frame havinginterchangeable frame and trim elements that does not suffer from thedrawbacks of the above noted devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a picture frame device. Oneembodiment of the present invention can include generally sturdy andrigid base section having a plurality of connectors disposed thereon.The invention can also include a frame unit having central aperture anda plurality of complementary connectors. The connectors can function tosecure the frame unit and base section together in a removable manner,so as to receive and display a photograph within the aperture.

Another embodiment of the present invention can include a pivotal stand,and a hanging hook along the back facing surface of the base section,and a transparent member that is located along the aperture of the frameunit.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not toidentify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beappreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the picture framedevice that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosedherein.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the base section of the pictureframe device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the base section of the pictureframe device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the frame unit of the pictureframe device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the frame unit of the pictureframe device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded parts view of the picture frame device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the picture frame device, in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the picture frame device, in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thedescription in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailedembodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of the invention.

Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the inventionor elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only thosereference numerals are shown in the individual figures which arenecessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes ofthis description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,”“vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to theinvention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Definitions.

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivativesthereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or moreobjects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow thesame objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described herein, the terms “connectors,” “complementary connectors”and derivatives thereof can include any number of different elementscapable of removably securing two items together in a nonpermanentmanner. Several nonlimiting examples include opposing strips of hook andloop material (i.e. Velcro®), magnetic elements, tethers such as strapsand ties, adhesives such as double sided tape, and compression fittingssuch as hooks, snaps and buttons, for example. Each illustratedconnector can be permanently secured to the illustrated portion of thedevice via a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching,for example.

As described herein, the term “indicia” can include any type ofdecorative elements such as colors, markings, words, shapes, symbols,logos, designs, lights, types of materials, texturing of materials,patterns, images, lithographs, photographs and/or jewels, for example.The indicia can be secured onto and/or into the below describedcomponents in accordance with known techniques so as to be flush withthe surface thereof, or can be raised/protruding outward from thesurface so as to give a three dimensional effect.

Although described and illustrated for use with photographs, theinvention is not to be construed as limiting in this regard. As such,the picture frame can be utilized to receive any type of generally flatmaterial that is typically displayed to others. Several non-limitingexamples include portraits, paintings, drawings, artwork, documents andthe like.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one embodiment of a picture frame device 10 that isuseful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Asshown, the device can include a base section 20 and a trim unit 30 whichfunction to receive and display a photograph 5 or other such document.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one embodiment of the base section 20 whichfunctions to provide a sturdy support for receiving the below describedtrim unit 30. In one embodiment, the base section 20 can comprise agenerally rectangular shape that is constructed from a sturdy and rigidnon-ferromagnetic material (e.g., ½ inch solid wood), having a frontfacing surface 21 a, a back facing surface 21 b, a top end 21 c, abottom end 21 d and a pair of opposing side ends 21 e and 21 f.

A plurality of connectors 25 can be disposed along the base section 20and can function to engage complementary connectors 35 located on thebelow described trim unit 30. In one embodiment, the connectors 25 caninclude lightweight magnets that are embedded within the base section soas to be flush with the front facing surface 21 a. Of course, otherembodiments are contemplated wherein any number of different connectorsare provided and arranged at other locations along the base section.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the back facing surface 21 b of the base section 20can include any number of different components for positioning theassembled frame 10 on either a flat surface or onto a vertical surface.In this regard, the base section can include one or both of a pivotalstand 22 and one or more hooks 23. The construction, installation andoperation of picture frame stands and hook are well known in the art.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one embodiment of the trim unit 30 which canbe removably secured onto the base section 20. In one embodiment, thetrim unit 30 can comprise a generally rectangular shape that is alsoconstructed from a non-ferromagnetic material, having a front facingsurface 31 a, a back facing surface 31 b, a top end 31 c, a bottom end31 d, a pair of opposing side ends 31 e and 31 f, and a centrallylocated aperture 32.

A plurality of complementary connectors 35 can be disposed along thetrim unit 30 and can function to engage the connectors 25 located on thebase section 20. In one embodiment, the complementary connectors 35 canalso include lightweight magnets that are embedded within the trim unitso as to be flush with the rear facing surface 31 b, and oriented so asto be attracted to the magnets 25.

Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein any number ofdifferent connectors are provided and arranged at other locations alongthe trim unit. In each of these instances, the connectors 25 andcomplementary connectors 35 will be arranged in an identical or nearlyidentical pattern, so as to allow the connectors 25 and 35 to align whenconnecting the trim unit 30 to the base section 20.

In another embodiment, a transparent or generally transparent member 33such as glass or plastic, for example, can be positioned across theaperture 32. The transparent member can be permanently secured to theframe unit via an adhesive material, or other such manner, and canfunction to protect a photograph 5 or other such item.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the picture frame device 10 inoperation. As shown, a photograph 5 can be interposed between the basesection 20 and the trim unit 30 at a location that corresponds to theaperture 32. Next, the connectors 25 and complementary connectors 35 canbe aligned (see arrows a), and engaged, so as to secure the base sectionand trim unit together. When so positioned, the trim unit and the basesection will be in direct contact, thereby preventing the photographfrom becoming unintentionally dislodged from the frame. Of course,whenever it is desirable for a user to change the photograph, the usercan simply and easily separate the trim and base via a pulling motion,replace the photograph, and reconnect.

Although described above as including a particular and similar shape(i.e., rectangular) and/or construction material, this is forillustrative purposes only. In this regard, each of the base section 20and the trim unit 30 can be constructed from any number of differentmaterials such as wood, plastic, composites and/or various metals, forexample. Moreover, both the base section and the trim unit can beconstructed to include any number of different shapes, sizes, designsand/or indicia 50, so as to suit the interests of a variety ofindividuals and occasions. As such, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate otherembodiments of the frame 10 wherein the base section 20 and trim unit 30include dissimilar shapes and sizes.

By providing a base section and trim unit with connectors that arecomplementary to one another, it becomes possible to utilize multipletrim units with a single base section, and vice versa. Such a featurecan advantageously function to allow a user to permanently install thebase section onto a wall, for example, and to change the trim and/orphotographs to coincide with any number of different events such asbirthdays, holidays, and the like. Accordingly, the above describedpicture frame device provides a unique and novel solution to theproblems associated with traditional photo frames.

As described herein, one or more elements of the picture frame device 10can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment meanssuch as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds,among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have beendescribed as including separate individual elements, the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skillin the art will recognize that one or more individual elements such asthe frame unit 30 and the transparent member 33, for example, may beformed together as one continuous and/or transparent element, eitherthrough manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding,or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machinedwith the aforementioned components forming identifiable sectionsthereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the presentinvention, the same should be apparent from the above description.Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage andoperation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A picture frame device, comprising: a basesection having a front facing surface, a back facing surface and aplurality of sides; a plurality of connectors that are disposed alongthe front facing surface of the base section; a trim unit having a frontfacing surface, a back facing surface, a plurality of sides, and agenerally centrally located aperture; and a plurality of complementaryconnectors that are disposed along the back facing surface of the trimunit, said connectors and complementary connectors being disposed ontothe base section and trim unit, respectively in a substantiallyidentical pattern, and functioning to removably secure the base sectionand trim unit together.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectorsand the complementary connectors include magnetic elements, and each ofthe base section and the trim unit are constructed from anon-ferromagnetic material.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the basesection and the trim unit include a similar shape.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the base section and the trim unit include dissimilarshapes.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section includes adimension that is greater than a dimension of the trim unit.
 6. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the base section includes a dimension that isless than a dimension of the trim unit.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the base section and trim units are constructed from identicalmaterials.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the base section and trimunits are constructed from different materials.
 9. The device of claim1, wherein the connectors and the complementary connectors are flushmounted to the base section and trim unit, respectively.
 10. The deviceof claim 1, further comprising a transparent member that is disposedalong the aperture.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the base sectionis constructed from a sturdy and rigid piece of material, and furtherincludes a pivotal stand along the back facing surface.
 12. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the base section is constructed from a sturdy andrigid piece of material, and further includes one or more hooks that aredisposed along the back facing surface.
 13. The device of claim 1,wherein the connectors and the complementary connectors are constructedfrom at least one of opposing strips of hook and loop material, doublesided tape, and compression fittings.
 14. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of indicia that is disposed along each of thebase section and the trim unit.